Verna Mae LaMotte, 86, passed away Jan. 26, 2005, at Home Place Special Care Center, Oak Harbor.

She was born May 25, 1918, in Concrete, where she spent her childhood. Verna was a vivacious and exciting person who left Washington to join the U. S. Diplomatic Corps.

After completing training in Washington, D.C., she was traveling by train to San Francisco to receive her overseas assignment when she met her charming husband, Ace LaMotte. The two were soon married, and eventually moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where Verna was a handwriting expert for the Phoenix Police Department. After too few years together, Ace passed away, and Verna returned to Washington where she lived in Oak Harbor and helped care for her father at the family home.

Verna was active in the community for many years, and made friends with just about everyone she met. Verna was a tremendous person with much strength and caring. She was loved dearly, and is already missed.

She is survived by a nephew, Mark Everett of Oregon; four nieces, Sue Winn and Nancy Hunter of Washington and LeAnn Stein and Jill Clutter of Oregon; and her long-time companion, George Doman of Oak Harbor.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home and On-Site Crematory in Mount Vernon. Verna’s friends are holding a memorial service for her at the Elk’s Lodge Friday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. All are invited.